Does the Circadian Modulation of Dream Recall Modify with Age?

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Abstract
Study Objectives:The ultradian NREM-REM sleep cycle and the circadian modulation of REM sleep sum to generate dreaming. Here we investigated age-related changes in dream recall, number of dreams, and emotional domain characteristics of dreaming during both NREM and REM sleep.Design:Analysis of dream recall and sleep EEG (NREM/REM sleep) during a 40-h multiple nap protocol (150 min of wakefulness and 75 min of sleep) under constant routine conditions.Setting:Centre for Chronobiology, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.Participants:Seventeen young (20–31 years) and 15 older (57–74 years) healthy volunteersInterventions:N/A.Measurements and Results:Dream recall and number of dreams varied significantly across the circadian cycle and between age groups, with older subjects exhibiting fewer dreams (P < 0.05), particularly after naps scheduled during the biological day, closely associated with the circadian rhythm of REM sleep. No significant age differences were observed for the emotional domain of dream content.Conclusions:Since aging was associated with attenuated amplitude in the circadian modulation of REM sleep, our data suggest that the age-related decrease in dream recall can result from an attenuated circadian modulation of REM sleep.